UK Statement at the UN General Assembly
Effective Multilateralism for Global Leadership, Peace, and Development
Effective multilateralism remains the key to effective global leadership, peace, and development. But around the world, we see conflict exacting a terrible toll in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond; we see rights being rolled back, climate changing, and development stalling.
As my Prime Minister said in this hall in September, we should not accept this slide into greater conflict, instability, and injustice. And we will do all we can to work together for peace, human rights, and development. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the world in turmoil, we must come together and deliver.
Addressing Global Conflicts and Challenges
For the UK, there are three core elements to this:
Turbocharging Practical and Tangible Action
We recognize the opportunity this year presents to turbocharge practical and tangible action as we mark other significant milestones, including the UN Ocean Conference, the 30th climate COP, a decade since the Paris Agreement, and the Social Development Summit. At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we want to work in genuine partnership to unlock the finance, reforms, and impact needed to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.
Advancing Women’s Rights and Participation
2025 is also a critical year for advancing women’s rights. As we mark Beijing+30 and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, we reaffirm the need for women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in peace processes and decision-making.
The UK’s Role as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council
We take our responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council seriously. We will continue to work hard to ensure that the Council delivers on this crucial mandate. This includes efforts to secure lasting peace for the people of the Middle East towards an inclusive political transition in Syria, an enduring ceasefire and political stability in Lebanon, and, of course, bringing to an end the awful conflict in Gaza, returning the hostages home, injecting aid, and delivering a two-state solution.
Ensuring the UN is Fit for the Future
We must also turn our attention to the UN’s potential for the decades ahead and ensure the organization is fit for the future. We need to make the system more representative and more responsive to those who need it most. When we come together and when there is political will for change, we can make a difference. Adopting the Pact for the Future by consensus at the Summit of the Future last year was a prime example of this. Now we must implement the commitments we made in the Pact and its Annexes.
Commitment to UN Revitalization and Reform
We renew our commitment to General Assembly revitalization and to Security Council reform to ensure these bodies can continue to deliver on their mandates, as outlined in the UN Charter.
A Call for Unity and Action in 2025
Mr. President, 2025 should be a year of progress and reform. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work with all UN members in the service of the rule of law, cooperation, and peace.
